transiting Moon: appearing tilted at times?

Event Date: October 23rd

Time: 8:42(.54) PM

Brief

   There are times that when we see a transiting Moon, whether a fat crescent or medium-sized gibbous, it seems as if it is "leaning to one side"; making it appear as if it is still rising slightly before transit or setting after it.  To further show why this is, I included the ecliptic along with the Moon's orbit.  As shown, the Moon is close to its maximum ecliptic latitude.  That, coupled with the constantly changing "arc" of the ecliptic with the horizon, we have an angled Moon.

   While the first image is a zoom-out, showing the orbit and ecliptic, the second is a 1º zoom-in.  Can you notice the difference, between these Moons and one for it appeared perpendicular to the horizon?

click on images to enlarge: courtesy of Starry Night Pro Plus, version 6.4.3, by Simulation Curriculum Corp.

Detailed

   As we have examined several times over the last several months, there are "points" along the not-shown celestial equator, where the ecliptic  cuts through it: the equinoxes.  If the Moon's orbit puts our satellite near ascending or descending node while at transit, we see the Moon at an even more extreme angle at transit.  There are also times for when the Moon transits (a) furthest from the nodes and (b) near/at the longitudes along the ecliptic where the Sun is at the solstices.  If the latter happens, we see very little tilt of the Moon.  Take a look at the Moon with every transit when visible enough [in phase] and not too close to full.  If you time the transit just right, do you notice a tilt...or none at all?  If you have trouble seeing at first, look at the terminator. and notice it that way.  important: try this with the eye alone and not a telescope, unless your 'scope is very level with the ground.